Pac-12’s murky future finds shred of clarity with ESPN appearing out as option for primary media rights

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — What has long been assumed throughout the industry became a reality this week as ESPN appears to be out as an option to take the Pac-12’s primary media rights as the conference continues to seek a new deal, multiple sources tell CBS Sports.

The situation developed at the Fiesta Summit spring meetings this week when Big 12 officials were told by ESPN executives its league was one of three conferences the network would be airing in the future. ESPN currently has Power Five agreements with the Big 12 (new deal begins in 2025), SEC (new deal in 2024) and ACC (existing deal running through 2036). It has other college football deals as well, including one with the AAC that ends in 2030.

The Pac-12’s current media rights deal with Fox and ESPN expires July 1, 2024.

“[This is the] first time publicly [ESPN] said, ‘We’re not doing anything with the Pac-12,'” a Big 12 administrator aware of the exchange told CBS Sports under the condition of anonymity.

While ESPN will not be contending for top-tier Pac-12 games, it may be interested in a smaller package secondary rights for games specifically in the late-night window. Sources close to the talks emphasized that they are taking a never-say-never approach when it comes to potential partners as negotiations continue.

If ESPN is not interested in the Pac-12’s Tier I games — the most-desirable, likely highest-rated contests — there doesn’t appear to be an obvious brand-name suitor for the league. Other major linear platforms, including Fox, appear not to be interested in primary Pac-12 rights that would provide the bulk of income in a new media deal.

It was reiterated during the conference’s spring meetings that the Pac-12 remains confident it will land TV media rights deal with a major carrier for its Tier 1 content, sources tell CBS Sports. There has been speculation lately that NBCUniversal (specifically USA Network) could be involved.

USA Network has a long history of sports coverage back to its debut as MSG Network in 1977. That included having a college football package from 1980-86. NBCUniversal is currently renegotiating its media rights deal for “WWE Monday Night Raw,” which could impact its interest in the Pac-12. Fox is also involved in ongoing negotiations to renew “WWE SmackDown,” which airs Friday nights in primetime.

“I think they’re in a tough spot,” WWE CEO Nick Khan said of the Pac-12 in…